It has been reported that Arsenal have held talks with former Manchester City starlet Romeo Lavia over a transfer.
This comes from Fabrizio Romano, after it was claimed in June that the youngster was keen on a return to Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, it seems Arsenal are ready to get the wheels in motion to bring Romeo Lavia to the Emirates Stadium after all.
Arsenal keen on wrapping up Romeo Lavia transfer
As is common knowledge by this point, when the Sky Blues sold the Belgian international to Southampton for £12 million (Fabrizio Romano), they inserted a buy-back clause worth £40 million that can only get activated in 2024.
While the Sky Blues have the right of first refusal in the deal, that is merely the only way in which they can get sign the highly-rated defensive midfielder once again.
Now, it has been revealed that ‘talks have already taken place’ between Arsenal and Romeo Lavia over a move in the summer.
In addition, Mikel Arteta’s side have an ‘excellent’ relationship with the Southampton sensation’s camp as well.
Chelsea are also claimed to be ‘interested’ while Manchester United appreciate him but are not advancing in their pursuit for his signature.
Manchester City may regret their decision but it is far from a blunder
If Romeo Lavia does end up joining Arsenal, Manchester City may regret their decision not to have ensured that the buy-back clause becomes active in 2023 itself.
However, hindsight is simply wonderful and the expectation would never have been that Lavia took the Premier League by storm from the very get-go.
To add to that, Kalvin Phillips would have been expected to make much of an impression than he has during his debut season at the club.
As a result, while the treble winners may rue their decision and may have also learned a lesson, to label their initial call as a blunder would be an exaggeration.
